Lenovo Launches Miix and Several Other Touch Friendly Devices

Locked and loaded with half a dozen devices

Microsoft could use an ally in the OEM space as it tries to push Windows 8 onto the masses, especially with companies like HP flirting with Chromebooks, and it may have found one in Lenovo. Embracing what Windows 8 has to offer, Lenovo late last night announced half a dozen touch-enabled devices, including the Lenovo Miix, a hybrid tablet/laptop with a 10.1-inch HD (1366x768) IPS display.

The Miix runs on an Intel Atom dual-core processor and has 64GB of built-in storage, microSD card slot, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and up to 10 hours of battery life. It also sports a quick-flip detachable folio case with an integrated AccuType keyboard so that users can switch between tablet and laptop mode on a whim.

"Users don’t want to choose between a laptop and a tablet. They want both without compromise, and Lenovo Miix delivers," said Bai Peng, vice president and general manager, notebook business unit, Lenovo Business Group. "Bringing touch to our laptops is about more than adding a touch-enabled screen. It requires a rethink of the way we interact with our devices, starting with the expectations of customers for a fluid, intuitive user experience. With these devices, touch becomes mainstream."

Lenovo also refreshed its Ultrabook family and announced a number of touch friendly models, including the IdeaPad S400 Touch, S500 Touch, and S210 Touch, along with the U330 Touch and U430 Touch. All of these will be available in summer ranging in price from $429 to $899. The Miix will also debut later this summer starting at $500.